Blue and White Vine Pattern Mudlarked Sherd

Historical Information

Type: Blue and White Vine

Fabric: Earthenware

Date:1780-1840

Find Location: Colchester, Essex, UK

Extra information:

This ceramic fragment is from a piece of early 19th-century British pearlware, a refined white earthenware with a subtle bluish glaze tint achieved by adding cobalt to the clear glaze. The decoration-a flowing design of blue vine or tree-like branches-was applied using the transfer-printing technique, which revolutionised pottery decoration in late 18th-century Staffordshire by allowing detailed patterns to be printed quickly and consistently.

Pearlware became especially popular between 1780 and 1840, and was often decorated with scenes and motifs inspired by nature, chinoiserie, or romantic landscapes. The branch or vine motif seen on this sherd likely formed part of a larger scene that wound across a plate or serving piece, bordered by floral or scroll elements. Common among both export wares and domestic tableware, these designs reflected the growing Georgian and Victorian interest in natural forms, stylised beauty, and accessible elegance.

This fragment preserves a glimpse of that history-a quiet piece of once-cherished tableware that helped bring beauty to the everyday rituals of dining and tea drinking in 19th-century homes.

Made with:

Stainless sustainable steel findings and chain, set with lead-free solder surrounds.